Busy winter months of activity for Sligo’s water safety programme
Sligo Surf Lifesaving club taking part in stillwater competition.
Water Safety Ireland Sligo have been very active over the winter months, promoting water safety within the county through several initiatives and events. The sport activities of the organisation are run through Sligo Surf Lifesaving club.
A winter programme of water safety classes commenced in January. Safety 2, 3 and 4 classes are taking place every Sunday for six weeks, with all candidates doing an exam at the end of the programme.
The Sligo Surf Lifesaving club has been busy in the pool over the last few months also. Junior members (aged 14-18) and masters members (over 30 years) learnt pool lifesaving skills weekly at the Sligo Sports Complex from November to January. Members from the Enniscrone centre took part in the weekly sessions also. The junior and master members will be taking part in the upcoming National stillwater championships which will take place at the University of Limerick pool on February 17 and 18. This competition will test the speed and lifesaving skills of all participants.
The stillwater training for the Nipper age group (8-14) commenced last month. The youngest members of the club have been learning many lifesaving techniques and swimming skills over the last few weeks. Nipper members based out of the Enniscrone centre have been doing their training at Ballina pool while all other members attend the complex pool in Sligo town. Sligo will host the regional stillwater championships at the Sligo Sports Complex pool on Saturday, March 16. Teams from Mayo, Galway and Donegal will be taking part in the regional event. The National stillwater championships will then take place on April 6 at the University of Limerick pool.
Thanks to the lifesaving skills gained during the winter months in the pool and during the summer months on the beach, many club members have gone on to complete pool and beach lifeguarding awards which are internationally recognised by the International Life Saving Federation (ILSF).
Water Safety Ireland Sligo is a voluntary organisation. Coaching and events run by the Sligo Surf Lifesaving club are all done by volunteers. All coaches have completed Water Safety Ireland coaching courses and the time they give throughout the year is much appreciated.
